Historical Context
We the peoples of the United Nations determined
- to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and
- to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and
- to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and
- to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
And for these ends
- to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and
- to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security, and
- to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and
- to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,
Have resolved to combine our efforts to accomplish these aims
- Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organization to be known as the United Nations.
Document Info
Date taken: June 26, 1945
Location signed: San Francisco, California, United States
Source: United Nations
Related Events
- 1945-06-26 The United Nations Charter is signed by 50 nations in San Francisco
- 1945-07-06 Nicaragua becomes 1st nation to ratify the Charter of the United Nations
- 1945-07-28 US Senate ratifies United Nations charter 89-2
- 1945-08-08 President Harry Truman signs the United Nations Charter
- 1945-10-24 Charter of United Nations comes into effect
- 1945-12-31 Ratification of United Nations Charter completed
